Changes in the law earlier this year have changed how officers deal with suspects after they have been arrested but before they face potential criminal charges.

Suspects can now be released 'under investigation' instead of 'on bail' - meaning they are no longer required to return to a police station as they were under previous bail requirements.

What was the law before?

Previously, after a suspect was arrested, if they were not charged or released with 'no further action' (when an investigation has concluded), they would be released on police bail.

Police bail would require the suspect to return to the police station at an appointed date and time. This date could be changed and extended, meaning bail in some cases could last for several months or even years depending on the police investigation.

Police conduct a search at the scene of a car crash in Stonegate Road, Leeds, that claimed the lives of five people, including three children. credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

What's the law now?

The introduction of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 in April will now see suspects 'released under investigation' unless specific criteria are met.

Suspects will instead be given a notice outlining offences that could lead to further police action while enquiries are ongoing, including perverting the course of justice.

Police can still release someone on bail if certain criteria are met - however the time a suspect spends on bail is limited to 28 days. There is an option to extend this to a maximum of three months - but the extension requires a superintendent's authorisation and must meet specific criteria.

The change in the law aims to alleviate complaints that lengthy bail periods were causing uncertainty for suspects.

This means that the 15-year-old who was released under investigation on Monday is not required to report to a police station but is still part of West Yorkshire Police's investigation, unless he is notified no further action will be taken.